Murray Hill, darling, has officially clocked in—and for once, no one is leaving early.
That iconic corner at 38th and Third, formerly the tequila-fueled playground of El Rio Grande, has been reborn as a double life executed with precision. The Consulate anchors the ground floor, while At the Office lives upstairs. Dinner below, revelry above. A built-in alibi, elegantly designed. One can now text, with complete sincerity, “I’m just at the office,” while holding a mezcal cocktail and watching the game unfold across perfectly placed screens.
The brilliance lies in the duality.
Upstairs, At the Office redefines what a sports bar can be when it refuses to compromise on atmosphere. The space carries energy without chaos, polish without pretension. Screens are abundant, though the room never feels overwhelmed by them. The mood builds gradually, shifting from post-work ease into something more animated as the evening progresses.
The cocktail program delivers with clarity and intention. A Gipsy Woman with vodka, Green Chartreuse, pear purée, and lime arrives crisp and balanced. A Guinness Old Fashioned leans rich and unexpectedly refined. A Pale Negroni offers a lighter, more aromatic interpretation of a classic. Mezcal threads through the menu with intelligence, appearing in drinks such as the Low Sun and Drummer Kick, adding depth without overwhelming the palate. Beer selections remain expansive, ranging from Guinness and Stella Artois to Brooklyn Lager and Lagunitas IPA, supported by a full spectrum of bottles, cans, and curated buckets designed for groups that intend to stay awhile.
Downstairs, The Consulate shifts the tone toward something more composed, though never rigid.
The concept, rooted in a French Modern American perspective, emphasizes connection and continuity. Dining here feels intentionally social, structured around the idea that a table evolves over time. The space balances refinement with energy, allowing for both a polished meal and a spontaneous extension into the night.
The food establishes the restaurant as more than a prelude to drinks. The raw bar commands attention with tuna tartare layered with avocado and yuzu, oysters, shrimp cocktail, and a caviar service that signals occasion. The seafood tower arrives with presence, designed to be shared and admired in equal measure. The sushi program stands out with notable strength, offering crispy rice with spicy tuna, yellowtail with jalapeño, shrimp tempura rolls, and signature creations such as the Consulate Dragon and NYC Bagel roll, each executed with precision and clarity.
Beyond the raw offerings, the menu expands into indulgent territory with confidence. Mussels in white wine and garlic butter invite repetition. Crab cakes arrive with depth and structure. Truffle mushroom flatbread, French onion soup, grilled octopus, and lamb tartare provide a range that moves seamlessly between comfort and sophistication. Salads offer balance, with compositions such as Brussels and kale with pecorino and green apple, burrata with arugula pesto, and a composed Caesar that leans classic without feeling predictable.
The true success of the space lies in its fluidity, and for this– it’s absolutely perfect. An evening begins with intention downstairs, then gradually unfolds upward. The transition feels natural, almost inevitable. Lighting softens, music rises, and the atmosphere shifts into something more playful. The terrace, particularly on warm nights, expands the experience further, offering an elevated vantage point that captures both the energy of the room and the rhythm of the city.
This address carries history.
El Rio Grande defined a certain era of Murray Hill, loud, celebratory, and deeply embedded in the neighborhood’s identity. The new concept does not attempt to replicate that past. It refines it, reshapes it, and presents it through a more considered lens while preserving the underlying spirit of celebration.
Murray Hill now holds a destination that understands both structure and spontaneity.
Clock in downstairs. Transition upstairs. No further explanation required.
